New Mexico (1-1-1) AT CS Northridge (1-2-0)
Coming off a week where they went 1-0-1 against two very good sides, the Lobo Men’s Soccer team heads to California to take on CS Northridge and Loyola Marymount University. Friday night, the Lobos will be in Northridge to take on CS Northridge in a rematch of last year’s 1-0 road victory for the Lobos, with the goal coming from, surprise, surprise, Chris Wehan. Northridge is coming off a week of traveling to Omaha, Nebraska, where they lost both of their matches, losing 2-1 against #1 Creighton and losing 4-1 against #21 Omaha.
For the Lobos to be successful this game, they need to find someone to help Wehan on the attack. If Hansen, Dorsey, Gleadle, or someone else is able to step up, it will open things up for Wehan to create even more for himself and for his teammates. If this happens this game, New Mexico shouldn’t have too much trouble handling CS Northridge. A telling stat to me is that CS Northridge has only taken 21 shots in their first three matches, compared to the 43 shots the Lobos have taken in their first three games. Wehan, by himself, has taken 18 shots. If the Lobos are able to control the pace of play and keep pressure on the Northridge backline, they should find the back of the net early and score their first 1st half goal of the season.
Players to Watch: As mentioned last week, we can always focus on Wehan, who is coming off a weekend where he scored all four Lobo goals and was named National Player of the Week by several outlets. But for me, the player to watch in this game is Josh Goss. If Yuri Domiciano is able to start and play on the backline, it will allow Goss to move up to midfield and help with the attack and possibly be that player that will relieve some of the pressure on Wehan. Domiciano is also a player to keep an eye on, as the Junior College All-American may be making his Lobo debut. If he does, he will help solidify the backline for the Lobos.
The leading goal scorer for Northridge is redshirt sophomore Steven Manios, who has 2 goals and 1 assist on the year. By all appearances, this is a Northridge team that isn’t great in the attack, so if the Lobos are able to control Manios, it will go a long ways towards shutting down the Northridge attack. The Northridge attack must make the most of their chances to stay in this match and take advantage of any mistakes the Lobos might make. On top of that, the backline for Northridge has to play a great match to have any shot to win this match against the Lobos.
Predictions: So far this season, this is the most confident I have been with any match the Lobos have had. To me, it would be a huge disappointment if they don’t come out with a result. I would put the odds of a Lobo win at 70% and coming home with at least a draw at 90%. I think Wehan will find the net at least once and someone else will step up and score a goal. My prediction is a 3-0 Lobos win.
Game Info:
UNM (1-1-1) vs. CS Northridge (1-2-0)
In Northridge, California
At Matador Soccer Field
Game Time: 8 PM MT
Stream: Big West TV